Two notable figures from the Democratic Party, Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who once sought the presidency as Democrats, are now publicly supporting former President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 election.
Although Gabbard and Kennedy are the most recognized among those making this endorsement, they are not alone; several other Democrats have also chosen to back Trump, highlighting the reality that individual electoral choices do not always align with party affiliations.
Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard
Former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard has publicly endorsed Donald Trump’s campaign for the presidency, marking a significant departure from the political party she once aimed to represent just four years prior. This endorsement aligns her with Trump’s criticisms of Vice President Kamala Harris and the tumultuous withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. Gabbard officially left the Democratic Party in 2022, signaling a clear shift in her political affiliations. Throughout her tenure in the U.S. House, Gabbard had hinted at a degree of support for Trump, notably being the sole member of Congress to vote “present” during the impeachment proceedings against him in 2019, which were centered on his interactions with Ukraine.
RFK Jr.
In late August, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the decision to suspend his independent presidential campaign and subsequently endorsed Donald Trump. Initially, Kennedy sought the Democratic Party's nomination; however, on October 9, 2023, he declared his intention to pursue the presidency as an independent candidate.
Just a year prior, it would have seemed unimaginable for a member of one of the most prominent families in Democratic politics to collaborate with Trump in an effort to prevent a Democrat from occupying the White House. Despite this unexpected alliance, Kennedy has recently accused Trump of betraying his supporters, while Trump has labeled Kennedy as “the most radical left candidate in the race.”
Ruben Diaz Sr.
Ruben Diaz Sr., a socially conservative Democrat, served as the representative for the 18th District of the New York City Council from 2018 to 2021, having previously held office in the New York State Senate for the 32nd District. Although he has not held a political position since December 31, 2021, Diaz Sr. made headlines earlier this year by endorsing Donald Trump during a rally in the South Bronx in May. In his endorsement, he expressed his desire to collaborate with Trump to improve the Bronx, stating, “Mr. President, I want to join you in having the Bronx great again,” and he identified himself as a Democrat, a black Puerto Rican with distinctive features, and requested Trump to accept his support for the presidential campaign. Diaz Sr. is known for his firm opposition to both abortion and same-sex marriage, and in a statement made in 2019, he controversially remarked that the New York City Council was “controlled by the homosexual community,” highlighting his conservative stance on social issues.
Rod Blagojevich
Rod Blagojevich, who served as the Governor of Illinois from 2003 to 2009, held a prominent role in state politics until his impeachment and subsequent removal from office, which led to a nearly eight-year incarceration. In 2020, he was granted early release from prison when former President Donald Trump commuted his 14-year sentence, which was imposed due to charges of political corruption. At the time of Blagojevich's release, Trump characterized the sentence as excessively harsh and unjust, a sentiment echoed by many observers. Blagojevich has since identified himself as a "Trumpocrat," indicating his alignment with the policies and leadership of the 45th president, despite his Democratic affiliation.
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